ECNChttp://www.ecnc.org
Expertise centre for biodiversity and sustainable developmentFri, 09 Dec 2016 13:04:41 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.5Oppla all set to serve European projectshttp://www.ecnc.org/news091216/
Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:04:41 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8170There’s a great need in European projects on ecosystem services and nature-based solutions for sharing good practice, working examples and quantifiable evidence. With the concept of nature-based solutions gaining increasing attention from policy, practice and research there’s a growing demand for interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement. This will support co-creation of solutions to offer multiple […]

]]>There’s a great need in European projects on ecosystem services and nature-based solutions for sharing good practice, working examples and quantifiable evidence. With the concept of nature-based solutions gaining increasing attention from policy, practice and research there’s a growing demand for interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement. This will support co-creation of solutions to offer multiple benefits to society. Rather than developing networking and knowledge-sharing platforms for each topic separately it is important to join forces and use existing platforms. Oppla is a key platform in this respect, as was recognized by the European Commission during a Horizon 2020 brokerage event on 8 December.

During the event, focusing on the Horizon 2020 calls for demonstration projects related to nature-based solutions and cultural heritage, Oppla was recognized as a well-functioning, readily available platform for consortia responding to current calls to build on or integrate in their plans. Indeed, with its marketplace, case study finder, online community and helpdesk service, Oppla is ready to serve as a European repository and forum for multiple stakeholders in their endeavour for co-developing and operationalizing nature-based solutions.

The event, organized by the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, brought together nearly 200 participants and offered a great opportunity for networking and matchmaking. Oppla participated with a prominent stand which attracted many interested participants.

]]>New issue of ECNC Update publishedhttp://www.ecnc.org/news291116/
Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:48:52 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8167A new issue of the ECNC Update has been published. Articles include: Users very enthusiastic about new Oppla platform Fruit and biodiversity in the Euregio Rhine-Waal OpenNESS case studies to inspire European site managers You can read the newsletter here.

]]>Fruit and biodiversity in the Euregio Rhine-Waalhttp://www.ecnc.org/8153-2/
Fri, 25 Nov 2016 14:22:53 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8153On 15 November 2016, a kick-off declaration to develop a project focused on fruit and biodiversity was signed in Kleve, Germany, in the presence of local media. A project proposal will be drawn up with the objective of starting an INTERREG project by spring 2017. The aim is to develop a diverse network of fruit-related […]

A project proposal will be drawn up with the objective of starting an INTERREG project by spring 2017. The aim is to develop a diverse network of fruit-related landscape elements such as tree lanes, orchards and parks, across the Euregio Rhine-Waal. These elements provide societal, economic and ecological improvements such as the strengthening of local tourism, contributing to local identity, a positive effect on pollinating species and regional biodiversity, and improved landscape enjoyment. The project targets all local municipalities, provinces, businesses, citizens and landscape managers.

The project is made possible by the INTERREG-VA programme Deutschland-Nederland, supported by the Euregio Rhein-Waal, and co-financed by the European Union. ECNC is leading the project in cooperation with the municipalities of Overbetuwe, Arnhem, Rheinberg, Ökozucht Buckow GmbH, and the Rivierenland regional tourism office.

]]>OpenNESS at the third EU Business and Biodiversity annual meetinghttp://www.ecnc.org/news241116/
Thu, 24 Nov 2016 13:06:08 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8149Businesses are taking big steps towards integrating biodiversity considerations into their strategies – or better: integrating natural capital. This was the general feeling at the well-attended annual meeting of the EU B@B Platform in The Hague this week. The event took stock of actions and outcomes of three years of work in the Platform and […]

]]>Businesses are taking big steps towards integrating biodiversity considerations into their strategies – or better: integrating natural capital. This was the general feeling at the well-attended annual meeting of the EU B@B Platform in The Hague this week.

The event took stock of actions and outcomes of three years of work in the Platform and looked forward to the next steps.

ECNC’s Ben Delbaere presented a poster on the OpenNESS project (in which ECNC is a partner) showcasing the link with SMEs, the value of the OpenNESS case studies, and the services offered by the recently launched knowledge platform Oppla.

In his opening speech, Willem Henk Streepstra of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW, host of the event) was quite honest about business working from a spirit of self-interest. The challenge therefore is to ensure that biodiversity or natural capital is integrated into this thinking. It was recognized that the private sector has an essential role to play in conserving biodiversity, but for this to happen biodiversity needs to fit the type of accounting that is commonplace in business and finance institutions. As Richard Kooloos of ABN Amro Bank said: ‘Money is the language of the banks – talk that language if you want to be taken seriously’.

European Commission DG Environment Director Humberto Delgado Rosa challenged this statement by pointing to the need to also integrate people’s values and emotions into business thinking.

Nevertheless, it was clear that natural capital accounting and the many developments in this field are very relevant to the business and finance community. Sharing experiences and practice was seen as a good way forward to encourage more businesses to join in this move. To support this need the event launched the EU community of practice on finance and biodiversity, to be run under the EU B@B Platform.

The OpenNESS work on natural capital and ecosystem services, and the many experiences from the case studies were welcomed by participants who visited the OpenNESS poster at the event. In particular, the role of Oppla in sharing best practices and offering an existing community and marketplace received much attention. As Tiago Freitas of the EC DG Research & Innovation said in his speech: ‘Oppla is a readily available tool that can support SMEs and other businesses in engaging in further innovation through nature-based solutions.’

The event was organized in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 23 November 2016 and was attended by some 150 representatives from business, finance institutions, government, NGOs and the European Commission.

]]>Sustainable Development: EU sets out its prioritieshttp://www.ecnc.org/news221116-2/
Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:06:36 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8147Today the European Commission is setting out a strategic approach for achieving sustainable development in Europe and around the world. A first Communication on the next steps for a sustainable European future explains how the Commission’s 10 political priorities contribute to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and how the EU will meet […]

First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: ‘To build a future for our children and our planet to the benefit of everyone we are making the SDGs and sustainability a guiding principle in all our work. Implementing the UN 2030 Agenda is a shared commitment and needs everyone’s contribution and cooperation, including Member States and civil society at large.’

]]>Users very enthusiastic about Opplahttp://www.ecnc.org/news221116/
Tue, 22 Nov 2016 13:38:58 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8138During the final user board meeting of the OPERAs project lots of useful feedback was given on Oppla, a new open platform developed by the OPERAs and OpenNESS projects. Its purpose is to simplify how we share, obtain and create knowledge to better manage the environment. As a partner in the OpenNESS project, ECNC has […]

]]>During the final user board meeting of the OPERAs project lots of useful feedback was given on Oppla, a new open platform developed by the OPERAs and OpenNESS projects. Its purpose is to simplify how we share, obtain and create knowledge to better manage the environment. As a partner in the OpenNESS project, ECNC has been involved in Oppla from the start.

A substantial proportion of the two-day meeting was devoted to the platform. Countryscape’s Paul Mahony presented the current beta version of Oppla and gave a sneak preview into development plans in the near future. This offered an excellent basis for an interactive session during which the 15 user board members tested Oppla and then provided feedback.

The user board, with representatives from national and international NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, European institutions, local authorities, and business, provided great advice on possible improvements for the Oppla marketplace. Most of the feedback will be taken up in the coming months, during the finalization of the alpha version of Oppla that will be launched in early 2017. It was striking to note how keen the participants are to also submit products and services to the Oppla marketplace, hereby strengthening its potential to truly support the community on ecosystem services, natural capital and nature-based solutions.

The user board meeting on 17 & 18 November was held by the OPERAs project in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, which provided the opportunity to have a closer look at the OPERAs exemplar on seagrass. ECNC’s Ben Delbaere participated for OpenNESS, sharing outcomes of the case studies and Oppla development.

]]>Record number of cities apply for European Green Capital 2019 and European Green Leaf 2018 Awardshttp://www.ecnc.org/news211116/
Mon, 21 Nov 2016 15:50:41 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8145A total of 28 cities have applied for the European Green Capital Award 2019 and European Green Leaf Award 2018. EU Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner, Karmenu Vella said: ‘I am delighted to see a record number of entries for this year’s competitions. More and more cities are realizing that investing in making our […]

]]>A total of 28 cities have applied for the European Green Capital Award 2019 and European Green Leaf Award 2018.

EU Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner, Karmenu Vella said: ‘I am delighted to see a record number of entries for this year’s competitions. More and more cities are realizing that investing in making our cities greener means investing in people’s well-being, in jobs and in a healthy environment. Cities are the places where Europe’s growth potential is greatest and where most Europeans see environment policy in action. These applicant cities are showing us the kind of urban commitment and innovation which will help them, and others, prosper well into the future.’

The European Green Capital Award, now in its tenth year, pays tribute to those cities where innovative urban environmental management and initiatives have taken hold; it is recognition of a city at the cutting edge of environmentally-friendly urban living. European Green Capital Award winners lead the way in setting higher standards in sustainable urban development, listening to what their citizens want and pioneering innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

2017 also sees the third cycle of the European Green Leaf Award, which seeks to recognize the progress made by Europe’s smaller cities and towns in their commitment to improving the quality of life for their citizens and exhibiting good environmental practice.

]]>Second Atlantic Seminar: Knowledge exchange and roadmap for future cooperationhttp://www.ecnc.org/news151116/
Tue, 15 Nov 2016 16:23:35 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8161About 100 participants from governmental and stakeholder organizations in eight Member States attended the second Atlantic Biogeographical Seminar from 25 to 27 October 2016. The seminar was hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland. The event was organized by Eurosite […]

]]>About 100 participants from governmental and stakeholder organizations in eight Member States attended the second Atlantic Biogeographical Seminar from 25 to 27 October 2016. The seminar was hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland.

The event was organized by Eurosite as part of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process. It provided an important opportunity for participants to improve and strengthen the implementation of Natura 2000 in the Atlantic region and ensure progress towards the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets.

Specific attention was given to drafting an as concrete as possible roadmap of actions for further cooperation on the improvement of the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats at the biogeographical level.

Four field visits allowed participants to see ‘on the ground’ the threats and issues, management practices and management planning approaches being applied in different Natura 2000 sites. Experts and guides outlined the current status and condition of the habitats visited, described conservation objectives and measures, and explained features and management regimes. The participants shared experiences about related issues and management approaches in their countries. The field visits provided excellent food for thought for the discussions in the working groups.

]]>OpenNESS case studies to inspire European site managershttp://www.ecnc.org/news141116/
Mon, 14 Nov 2016 14:10:43 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8141For many managers of nature sites around Europe, the concept of ecosystem services is relatively new and barely put into practice, or at least not consciously. During a full day’s seminar on ‘ecosystems at your service’ as part of the Eurosite annual members’ meeting, the participants learned about ecosystem services and how this can help […]

]]>For many managers of nature sites around Europe, the concept of ecosystem services is relatively new and barely put into practice, or at least not consciously. During a full day’s seminar on ‘ecosystems at your service’ as part of the Eurosite annual members’ meeting, the participants learned about ecosystem services and how this can help in increasing support for their management and protection activities. For many it was an eye-opener, making them realize that their sites and well-managed ecosystems have more to offer to society than they think.

ECNC’s Ben Delbaere presented the OpenNESS project (of which ECNC is a partner) and the achievements in the 27 case studies undertaken by the project, demonstrating what putting ecosystem services into practice means for real-world situations. The OpenNESS cases from national parks, such as the Cairngorms in Scotland, Sierra Nevada and Doñana in Spain, and Kiskunság in Hungary, were of particular interest to the audience. The recent overview booklet on the case studies was very well-received.

The participants were keen on the lessons learned, especially with regard to stakeholder engagement, the existence of many decision-support tools, and the fact that implementing ecosystem services is not just about putting a price tag on nature. There is a specific need for sharing practices, and therefore the services offered by Oppla – the recently launched knowledge marketplace – were very much welcomed. Natural site managers have a wealth of experience to contribute and at the same time can take advantage of the tools, knowledge, and contacts available through Oppla.

The meeting, held in Serres, Greece, from 8 to 10 November, was attended by some 50 participants from all over Europe, and hosted by the Greek Eurosite member KOMATH – Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace.

]]>European companies awarded for their green business solutionshttp://www.ecnc.org/news031116/
Thu, 03 Nov 2016 14:15:22 +0000http://www.ecnc.org/?p=8135Businesses are quickly recognizing that shifting to a circular economy makes sound economic sense. The Commission’s ‘European Business Awards for the Environment’ rewards the best of these pioneers for their eco-innovative practices and products. On 27 October 2016, the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2016-17 were announced at a ceremony in […]

]]>Businesses are quickly recognizing that shifting to a circular economy makes sound economic sense. The Commission’s ‘European Business Awards for the Environment’ rewards the best of these pioneers for their eco-innovative practices and products.

On 27 October 2016, the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2016-17 were announced at a ceremony in Tallinn, Estonia. The awards recognize companies in the EU and candidate countries, from all sectors that combine competitiveness with respect for the environment in the following categories: management, product and services, process innovation, business and biodiversity, and international business cooperation. The Awards are an important part of the Commission’s toolbox for the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan adopted in December 2015.